7 Ways To Take Back Your Bathroom

Between the morning battles to get out of the door and the nighttime hustle to get everyone to bed, your bathroom likely never feels like a place to relax. (Seriously, have those toothbrushes multiplied since last night?)

But beneath the hair dryers and beauty products and that soggy pile of towels in the corner lies a calming oasis. And we've enlisted two experts — interior designer Kirk Nix, and founder of Dollar Shave Club, Michael Dubin — to help you find it.

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1. Carve out your own space. "You should have your own stuff, so it doesn't always feel like you're stealing products intended for your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend. Stake out your own drawer, or shelf in the medicine cabinet. It doesn't have to be a ton of space, just enough to hold your essentials." -Michael Dubin

2. Bring in adjustable lighting. "Invest in a dimmer for the lights; adjustable lighting is paramount." -Kirk Nix

3. Remember that less is more. "You go to the bathroom to get clean, so the decor should feel clean, simple, and minimal. Get as much natural light as you can — let the neighbors shut THEIR curtains. When your bathroom feels bright, spacious, and uncluttered, you might just want to spend a bit more time in there."- Michael Dubin

4. Add in luxurious accents. "Don't forget a small table or shelf to hold the necessities of life, but bringing in a candle always lifts spirits as well. Fresh flowers are so decadent, and there's no better place to enjoy them in the morning or right before you go to bed at night." -Kirk Nix

Courtesy of Kirk Nix

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5. Always keep something cozy underfoot. "I do enjoy a thick, absorbent bathroom rug for when I step out of the shower." -Michael Dubin

6. Practice pattern restraint. "I find a monochromatic palette works best in bathrooms, but it doesn't matter what you like — pink, leopard, or neutrals — just limit yourself to 2-3 materials for the most satisfying result. Many spaces suffer from too many "good ideas." -Kirk Nix

7. Don't forget the entertainment. "It's always nice to have a book, magazine, or copy of The Bathroom Minutes, so you don't have to read the back of the shampoo bottle for the millionth time." -Michael Dubin"Find a spot for your beatbox — music can indeed calm the savage beast." -Kirk Nix